Cody Johnson‘s “Travelin’ Soldier” is out. Johnson previously recorded a version of the song during the pandemic, but now has a full version of it out, due to fan demand.

“We recorded this song in 2020 on a live stream during COVID, and then it kind of went viral,” Johnson says. “I’ve traveled all over the world and there are signs in the crowd that say play ‘Travelin’ Soldier.’ And people come to the meet and greets, [and ask for] ‘Travelin’ Soldier.’ It just kind of turned into this thing like, I guess we’re going to have to record this song. … This is just because we love you guys and figured we’d give you what you want.”

“Travelin’ Soldier” is written by Bruce Robison. It became a No. 1 single for The Chicks in 2002.

“‘Travelin’ Soldier’ holds a very special place in my heart, with the fact that people all over the world can relate to this song,” Johnson explains. “It pays tribute to the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for us to have freedom.”

Cody Johnson Takes the Rest of 2025 Off After Surgery

Johnson sadly had to cancel the remainder of his 2025 tour dates, after facing immediate surgery following a burst eardrum. Fortunately, Johnson is on the mend, and looking forward to touring again in 2026.

“Doctor said the surgery went great,” Johnson says. “Should make a full recovery with the proper rehab. I’ve got a lot of follow-up doctor’s appointments to go yet. I just wanted to say, thanks for all the texts, the calls, the prayer requests, all the good wishes. I’ve really felt the love. So, I’m gonna do my best to recharge. And I can’t wait to see you guys in 2026.”

Johnson is performing one show with George Strait in 2026. He also just announced new tour dates in 2026, joined on the road by Scotty McCreery, Jon Pardi, Clint Black, and more.

Cody Johnson’s Current Single, “The Fall”

Johnson has a Top 30 single with “The Fall.” The song is from Johnson’s latest Leather Deluxe Edition album.

“’The Fall’ is one of those songs that I feel like should be on a movie soundtrack,” Johnson says. “It should be on a movie soundtrack because it paints that picture of — you can see the struggle to get to the success. And I think for me, I picture guys like Michael Jordan. You see all the work and all the tired and the angry and the tears and the blood, and you get to the successful moment. And you can even apply that to relationships too, but it has that that overall movie quality about it.”

“The Fall” is written by  Bobby Pinson, Ray Fulcher and Jeremy Stover, but could have been written by Johnson.

“When I heard the song, it sounded like the story of a lot of different people,” Johnson tells Billboard. “It is kind of cowboy, and it is authentic to me, as ‘The ride was worth the fall,’ you know. ‘I’d climb back on again.’ But it also has this relativity to a lot of other different people and their story. It’s a very unique thing that I couldn’t ignore.”

Photo Credit: CMA